Agenda item

To receive a report from the Corporate Manager for People, Performance and Waste providing Members with an update on performance against the Corporate Plan and local service targets for 2022-23 as well as providing an update on the key business risks.

The Committee had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Corporate Manager for People, Governance and Waste providing Members with an update on performance against the Corporate Plan and local service targets for 2022-23 as well as providing an update on the key business risks.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         Whether the reduction of two play areas from 83 to 81 meant that they were being taken over by the relevant Town and Parish Council? The officer explained that she would find out and come back to the Committee.

·         Figures regarding Fixed Penalty Notices were inaccurate within the report. It was explained that an updated report showing correct figures would be brought to the Environment Policy Development Group.

·         It was stated that Cllr Wilce had had to resort to using FOI as he had not been getting answers to his questions in the normal way, he had said that he had at least 3 overdue requests. He had queried whether if an FOI request is late is it included in the figures until it is answered or just in the month it was made? Cllr Woollatt had looked in the logs and identified those from Cllr Wilce and had noted that they had N/A against them and wondered if Cllr Wilce would ever get a response, and if an FOI was refused shouldn’t the enquirer get a response with the reason of whatever exemption was being applied? It was requested that the Corporate Manager for Digital Transformation and Customer Engagement report back to the Committee with an answer.

·         Concerns regarding staff resourcing, what actions were in place and what reassurance could be given to the Audit Committee since there wasn’t anything within the report to provide this? It was explained that more flexible working arrangements were being arranged, the staffing structure within the Council was being looked at and a full establishment report would be brought to the Cabinet in the near future covering this area in depth.

·         Concerns regarding whether planning applications were being dealt with within appropriate timescales.

·         Risks in relation to the planning challenges faced by 3RDL and whether these were reflected to the correct extent within the report. It was explained that more detail could be provided in future reports especially in relation to complex issues such as the HIF.

·         More data needed within the report in relation to the Tiverton Masterplan and digital activity.

·         Staff appraisals and whether all staff were receiving them. It was confirmed that all staff were offered an appraisal. This had now moved online and approximately 91/92% had been completed. There had been some issues around the new software.

·         Targets in relation to incubator space. The Economic Development Team had been heavily involved in work relating to the pandemic and the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and had not been able to focus on this area as much as they would have liked.

Note: * Report previously circulated, copy attached to the minutes.